Used Gearboxes
The gearbox sits between the engine and the wheels, and it decides how the engine's power reaches the road. When a gearbox fails, the car may still start — but it cannot be driven properly. This page explains what a gearbox does, the signs one is failing, what to check on a used one, and how to enquire.
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What a gearbox does
A gearbox changes the ratio between the engine and the wheels. Low gears give pulling power for setting off and climbing, high gears let the engine run slowly at speed, and reverse turns the wheels backwards. Without it, the engine would have to do all the work at one speed, which it cannot do.
Manual gearboxes are shifted by the driver through a clutch, while automatics change gear on their own using clutches, bands or a torque converter. The two types are built differently, use different oil, and fail in different ways — so the first thing to say when you enquire is whether your car is manual or automatic.
Signs a gearbox may need replacing
Gearbox trouble usually shows up in the way the car changes gear. The signs are easy to miss at first, because they often start as a small hesitation or a noise that only happens now and then.
- Gears slipping out, or the car jumping out of gear while driving
- A grinding or whining noise when a gear is selected
- The car hesitating or jerking when it changes gear
- Gearbox oil that is dark, smells burnt, or is leaking underneath
- The gear lever feeling loose, stiff, or hard to move into gear
What to check before buying a used gearbox
Gearboxes are matched to the engine and the car, so the code on the gearbox matters as much as the make and model. A gearbox from the wrong engine, even in the same model, may not fit or may not work with the car's electronics.
- The gearbox code matches the one in your car
- Manual or automatic matches what your car has
- The gearbox turns freely and selects gears without grinding
- There is no heavy leak from the seals or casing
- Your mechanic has confirmed the gearbox will fit your car
How to enquire about a used gearbox
Give the registration, make, model and year of your car, and say whether the gearbox is manual or automatic. The gearbox code is the most useful extra detail — it is stamped on the casing and recorded in the car's documents, and it pins down exactly which box your car was built with.
Send an enquiry through the form, or ring 07961 404768. Mention the symptoms too, if you know them: whether gears slip, grind or refuse to select. That helps confirm that the gearbox, rather than the clutch or the linkage, is the part at fault.
Gearboxes in pictures
Gearboxes from cars broken here — photos show the type of part. Call 07961 404768 to check.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my gearbox is manual or automatic?
A manual car has a clutch pedal and a gear lever you move yourself, while an automatic has no clutch pedal and a lever marked with P, R, N and D. If you are still unsure, the registration and the car's documents will settle it — give both when you enquire.
Will a gearbox from another car fit mine?
Only if the gearbox code matches, or your mechanic confirms it will fit. Gearboxes are matched to the engine and the car, and a box from the wrong engine may not bolt up or may not work with the car's electronics. Always check the code before you buy.
What is a gearbox code and where do I find it?
The gearbox code is a short string of letters and numbers stamped on the gearbox casing, and it is also recorded in the car's service book or on the build plate. It identifies the exact gearbox your car was built with, and it is the most useful detail to give when you enquire.
Is it the gearbox or the clutch that has failed?
It can be hard to tell without looking. A slipping clutch feels like the engine revving without the car pulling, while a failing gearbox grinds, slips out of gear or refuses to select. A mechanic can usually tell in a short drive, and it is worth knowing before you enquire.
What should I ask about a used gearbox?
Ask for the gearbox code and whether it is manual or automatic, and whether it matches yours. The code decides the fit, and a manual box will never replace an automatic one. Give the registration when you enquire, and say what the old box is doing, so the right type is checked first.
Related pages
Looking for a used gearbox?
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